Unilin remains generous donor

Bart Stofferis, far right, vice president of laminate operations at Unilin, and Stephanie Watson, master data specialist at Unilin, presents the donation to Dr. Lee Jessup, president of United Way of Davidson County.

Daniel Kennedy

Dr. Lee Jessup, president of United Way of Davidson County, expressed his thanks to Unilin employees.

Daniel Kennedy

Dozens of Unilin employees gathered Dec. 14, donning special blue shirts to signify their participation in raising $15,000 for the United Way of Davidson County.

THOMASVILLE —

Another chapter was recorded Dec. 14 in the consistent partnership between one of Thomasville’s largest employers and the United Way of Davidson County.
Unilin Flooring presented a $15,000 corporate match check on behalf of its parent company, Mohawk Carpet Foundation. It was the second year in a row the United Way received $15,000 from Unilin's employees and another $15,000 from the corporation.
"We have a great relationship with this company," said Dr. Lee Jessup, president of the United Way of Davidson County. "Unilin is the kind of company we really like to partner with. Number one, they have compassion in their hearts for those in the community and are doing this because they feel strongly that they want the company and themselves involved."
At a holiday luncheon, Jessup spoke briefly with Unilin employees, thanking them for their support of the organization. Stephanie Watson, master data specialist at Unilin, attributes her company’s fundraising prowess to a vision of its community it shares with the United Way.
"Last year, our campaign increased 28 percent from the year before," Watson said. "Last year, we secured a $15,000 match from our parent company. Because we did such a good job last year, they offered us the opportunity to do it this year.”
This money and all additional funding procured during the United Way’s 2012-2013 campaign, which officially ends Dec. 31, will count toward its $1.82 million goal. Donations benefit 29 Davidson County agencies which partner with the organization and receive financial support disbursed among at-risk, ailing and abused children, as well as those struggling with addiction.
“(Unilin’s) is one of the fastest-growing campaigns we have and they do a great job every year,” Jessup said.
For more information on how to donate to the United Way of Davidson County, call 249-2532 or visit uwdavidson.org.

Staff Writer Daniel Kennedy can be reached at 888-3575, or kennedy@tvilletimes.com.